One of the great concerns among wine enthusiasts is trying to find out when to open that great bottle of wine that has been carefully put away for a special occasion.

It's a problem because not all wines age at the same rate.

All wine has a life cycle. It is true that most wine in the marketplace is meant to be consumed immediately or within a brief period of time — perhaps one to two years. White wines typically have a shorter lifespan than reds. But all wines, including reds, gradually will peak over time and then start to fade.

As wine ages, the exuberant fruit and acids of youth give way to more subtle aldehydes and softer tannins. However, with continued maturity, the fruit starts to disappear, the body thins out and oxidation contributes to gradual erosion of taste over time.

Some wines do get better with time, particularly red wines. The optimal window for vintage Port is probably between 20 and 40 years. However, remember that winemakers have recognized that most folks don't want to wait for wines to come around over 10 to 20 years.

If you have a special bottle, recognize that it has a lifespan. Get some advice from your wine merchant about longevity. The best advice is, when in doubt, take it out … and enjoy!

Four to try

These wines all have aging built in to them before bottling and are ready to enjoy.